The annual Farmer’s Market at The Farm will be this Saturday and is sure to have something for everyone.
Some new things will be featured at the farmer’s market including a water park set up for the kids. Cultural Crossroads Director Chris Broussard says kids need to come dressed “to get wet.”
“We’ll also include a community paint party,” she said. “Adults and children can help us create a new mural for The Farm.”
Admission is free, but there will be a $10 charge for booth space. No commercial items are allowed to be sold. Broussard says only handmade, homemade or homegrown will be allowed.
Market Chairman Sonya Armstrong says the Minden Farmer’s Market will be open the first Saturday of each month through the summer.
Now in its seventh year, the Farmer’s Market based on The Farm will see a change this year. Supply and demand have been challenged for the market at The Farm, she said.
Cultural Crossroads, a nonprofit arts agency that owns and manages The Farm opted to provide the area with a farmers market as a community service. However, the popularity in farmers market in larger markets have consistently challenged the supply and demand. A new farmer’s market opened up this spring in Minden.
“We know that this area cannot support two farmers markets,” Armstrong said. “But our vendors are loyal and rather than cancel altogether, we decided to open up The Farm to our vendors and patrons the first Saturday of each month beginning in May and continuing through August.
“Our goal is to connect our local growers with the public,” she continued. “Our personal contact with our growers insures that the vegetables you buy are indeed homegrown and not shipped in from hot houses.”
Hours this year will be from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Food vendors will also be on site offering up everything from fried catfish to blooming onions.
Anyone interested in selling at the market can do so by simply joining the sponsoring organization. A onetime annual membership fee of $30 makes anyone eligible to sell at the market.
“While fresh vegetables will be our main goal, the grounds of the four-acre Farm will be open to ‘fleas and tiques,’” Armstrong said.
Flea market items will be for sale and locals can claim a spot for their yard sale for $10.
Available on a first-come, first serve basis, interested parties can call ahead of time and reserve their spot or just show up on Saturday morning before 7 a.m.
For more information on “fleas and tiques,” call Armstrong at 678-0805 or email [email protected]
A covered pavilion holds many vendors while the parking lot can also accommodate trucks and trailers. Other attractions available on the first Saturday will include the newly opened nature trail and outdoor exhibit of painted doors and hands-on activities for the kids.
“The four-acre grounds are worth the trip here,” Armstrong said. “The many floral and vegetable gardens are adorned with sculptures and eye candy that makes this little piece of heaven worth visiting.”
The Farm is located at 419 East Union in Minden on the corner of Talton and East Union.
For more information on the growers, contact Armstrong or check Facebook for weekly updates at Minden Louisiana Farmers market.